Great businesses are built from one referral linked to another & another & another strung together like a strand of pearls.
Each of us pass referrals along daily to friends, colleagues
and even strangers. Each of us respond to a request for help, either direct or
implied, with suggestions, advice, phone numbers, web URLs, e-mail addresses or
any other way we can think of to connect two people.
Referrals are the bonds that keep everyone connected in the on and off-line networks I liken to a strand of pearls. Referrals are the strings in
the necklace.
Here’s how to increase referrals for your business:
- Ask. Many people simply
don’t. The best times are
immediately after someone buys and when you deliver the product or
service. - Tell. Explain in very specific
terms just what your prospect is like. Suggest ways I can identify them.
Give me the short but powerful phrase that will help prospects say,
“that’s for me.” - Give. The simplest way to generate
leads is to give them away. Extend your network to include all kinds of
suppliers. Pick the best you can in each category and refer them. - Take. Take the time to say, “Thank You.” Do it
in person, via phone, via e-mail and most importantly via a hand written
note. That will get you remembered positively which should lead to more
referrals.
Remember, businesses, careers and lives of joy are all built
one contact at a time. One contact plus another and another until you have a string of them. Great businesses are built from a great string of
referrals.
Jerry Fletcher speaks internationally as The Networking Ninja
He consults under his own name. Learn more at www.JerryFletcher.com